Holiday homes & rentals in Donegal

Donegal County, located in the Republic of Ireland, is home to pretty towns and stunning scenery. Explore the Atlantic cliffs and traditional gastropubs within walking distance of your Donegal holiday home. The Bluestack Mountains are another natural wonder waiting to be explored, and if you’re travelling with children, activities such as bowling and jungle gyms will keep them busy for hours. Nestle down with a pint of Guinness in the island’s most northerly county and discover the beauty of this remote gem.

Getting to your Donegal holiday home

Donegal does have an airport, but it is only served by flights from Dublin and Glasgow. Therefore, most international travellers will arrive in Belfast. There are buses which connect Belfast to all the towns and holiday homes in Donegal but hiring a car is advised, as this will make travelling within the region much easier upon arrival.

Daily services are also in operation between Donegal and several cities including Galway, Derry, and of course, Dublin. Once in Donegal, it is possible to travel by public bus, but hiring a car will enable you to explore the county with ease and really get off the beaten track.

Sights in Donegal: what to see when you visit

Donegal town is the centre of activity for visitors to the region. Though easy to explore on foot, bicycles are a common site and can be hired from the high street. The local traveller information centre on Quay Street is an excellent resource for current events, but some permanent highlights of the town are the castle and the abbey. Rossnowlagh, located around 20 minutes from the centre, is a popular blue flag beach that is an excellent location for both relaxing and recreation. Water sports, swimming and surfing are all popular activities here.

Donegal is a county brimming with natural beauty, and this is why most travellers choose to visit the region. The Slieve League cliffs on the Atlantic coast are stunning and a must-visit. You can traverse the many paths at your leisure while taking in the panoramic views before you return to your Donegal holiday home.

There are two inhabited islands which make for wonderful day trips. Arronmore and Tory Island both offer at least one hotel, several pubs and spectacular scenery. Arronmore is accessible by car-ferry while the smaller Tory Island can only be reached by the foot passenger service.

Those who like to take to the green for a spot of golf won’t be disappointed with a holiday home in Donegal. There are multiple courses littered across the county and the naturally rugged topography make for challenging courses with spectacular views.

Donegal with children: activities with kids

Donegal is very much a family-friendly destination. The Rose Cottage Riding School and the Letterkenny go-karting centre both have great facilities for learning to ride and having a spin behind the wheel. The area isn’t short on rainy day activities either. Bundoran Bowling and Jungle King (a large indoor play area) are both ideal ways to pass the time if you need to stay indoors and have a little time away from your Donegal holiday letting .

If you want to explore the great outdoors then Maghera Caves and Glenveagh National Park are both close by. Glenveagh also offers family events in the summer, all of which are free but you are advised to book in advance.

Nightlife in Donegal: bars, pubs and restaurants

Donegal town, the epicentre of the county, is renowned for its pubs. Most offer live music in the summer months and many serve food so you can really make an evening of it. The Reel Inn is a popular haunt in the middle of town and they welcome musicians and singers to join in daily entertainment. The Castle Bar is as traditional as they come, and they serve pies and fresh seafood platters all day, perfect for a spot of lunch or an evening meal.

Letterkenny, the largest town in the county, has several drinking establishments and nightclubs. Sister Sara’s, Glencar Inn and The Cavern are all popular with locals and visitors alike.

If your Donegal holiday letting is a little further out, you’ll nearly always stumble across a local pub serving food, and of course, Guinness. When staying in more rural areas, stocking up the kitchen with food and spending the evening in the stunning surroundings is a great way to make the most of your holiday letting in Donegal.

Exploring Donegal

Daniel O'Donnell Museum

Retrace the career of Irish country singer and presenter Daniel O'Donell through the past 25 years with rare videos and memorabilia, such as his wedding suit and his platinum and gold record awards.

Sea Arch

A slightly steep hike down to the beach brings you to the Great Pollet Sea Arch, a striking example of the sculptural effects of marine erosion.

Abbey of the Four Masters

Founded by the Franciscan friars in 1474, all that is left of this atmospheric ocean-facing abbey are ruins hinting at the life of early Christians in Ireland.

Lough Eske

The "Lake of the Fish" that lies to the northeast of Donegal is a firm favourite of anglers. Apart from salmon and trout, there are many beautiful hiking paths to enjoy here.

Donegal Castle

Perched along the River Eske in the centre of Donegal, the castle is a must for those intrigued by the history of medieval Irish chieftains.

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